PNP eyes creation of unit similar to proposed AFP cyber command

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 5, 2024): PNP eyes creation of unit similar to proposed AFP cyber command (By: John Eric Mendoza) 

Western Command in Palawan holds a defense exercise for cyber-related incidents. (File photo from AFP WESCOM)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) considers the establishment of a cybersecurity division similar to the cyber command that will be operated by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group director Major General Sidney Hernia made the statement on Monday.

The plan comes, after Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported about the cyber attacks from computer hackers supposedly traced in China.

“The PNP is looking into establishing something like AFP’s cyber command,” Hernia said, partly in Filipino, during a press conference in Camp Crame in Quezon city.


Hernia added “the PNP is looking into the possibility of establishing the cyber security center so there is focus because our anti-cybercrime [group]’s duties are more on investigation.”


The proposed AFP Cyber Command aims to exercise control over all the cyber units under the military, according to Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.

To date, AFP still has only “pockets of cybersecurity units,” Brawner said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899705/pnp-eyes-creation-of-unit-similar-to-proposed-afp-cyber-command

Dept of National Defence to secure Philippines sovereignty: Defence secretary Teodoro

Posted to Asia News Network (Feb 6, 2024): Dept of National Defence to secure Philippines sovereignty: Defence secretary Teodoro (By John Eric Mendoza, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

On January 31, former president Rodrigo Duterte had claimed that local political forces would regroup in the Davao region to start a movement for Mindanao’s independence.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) will “strictly enforce” its mandate to protect the integrity of the national territory amid calls for a separate Mindanao, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Monday.

“The mandate of the Department of National Defense is to secure the sovereignty of the State and integrity of the national territory as enshrined in the Constitution,” Teodoro said in a statement.

“We will strictly enforce this mandate whether externally or internally,” he added.

On January 31, former president Rodrigo Duterte claimed that local political forces would regroup in the Davao Region to start a movement for Mindanao’s independence.

The new movement, he said, “won’t be a bloody one” and would be headed by Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

Philippine National Police chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. warned of possible chaos should the proposal push through.

Two former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chiefs under the Duterte administration likewise rejected his call.

US intends further strikes on Iran-backed groups — Sullivan

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., the AFP chief in 2018, said Duterte’s call would destabilize the country.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Duterte’s plan will be met with “resolute force.” Año served as the AFP chief until 2017.

https://asianews.network/dept-of-national-defence-to-secure-philippines-sovereignty-defence-secretary-teodoro/

Island 140km south of Taiwan eyed for US-Philippines military exercises

From Taiwan News(Jan 30, 2024): Island 140km south of Taiwan eyed for US-Philippines military exercises (By Jono Thomson)

Philippines’ NOLCOM command lieutenant general visits Mavulis Island



Troops in the U.S. and Philippines armed forces conduct the Balikatan exercises in 2022. (CNA photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Philippines’ army has inspected an island about 140 kilometers from Taiwan’s southernmost point and is reportedly considering the location for joint military exercises with the U.S.

The Inquirer reported on Tuesday (Jan. 30) that Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) inspected Mavulis Island and nearby the Basco township over the past weekend. He was reportedly joined by those responsible for planning the Balikatan exercises – the largest military drills held between the Philippines and the U.S.

When asked about why the Balikatan planners were present on the trip, Buca said, “It’s for advance planning for a possible proposed exercise area in future Balikatan (drills).” NOLCOM posted a separate statement and said, “A recent visit and inspection was conducted to the northernmost defense outpost in Mavulis and Basco, Batanes.

“The visit aimed to assess its capabilities and preparedness in protecting the nation's maritime borders and interests as the NOLCOM transitioned into territorial defense operations,” the post read.

The U.S. increased the number of troops, military agreements, and exercises in the Philippines in 2023, and access to the country is seen as crucial for a potential U.S. response to any military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. However, the county’s president Bongbong Marcos has said his country will not become a staging post for U.S. military action in this area.

The annual Balikatan military exercises were last staged in April and were described as the largest in decades. China said Manila was “stoking the fire” during the exercises, which included more than 16,000 U.S. and Philippine troops.

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5087677

USAID donates Starlink satellite internet to Kalayaan in WPS

From Palawan News (Feb 5, 2024): USAID donates Starlink satellite internet to Kalayaan in WPS (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates (2nd from left) and Kalayaan Mayor Roberto del Mundo (3rd from left) receive the Starlink satellite internet terminal donated by the USAID from US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (5th from left) on February 5 at the VJR Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building in Puerto Princesa City. Also in photo are USAID BEACON Chief of Party John Garrity (1st from left), PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Marciano (4th from left), DICT ASec. Maria Teresa Camba (6th from left), DICT ASec. for Infostructure Management Philip Varilla (7th from left), and DICT Mimaropa Regional Director Cheryl Ortega.

Kalayaan town in the West Philippine Sea has been equipped with a Starlink satellite internet terminal by the United States government through its international aid agency, ensuring reliable connectivity for the municipal government and residents.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson personally presented the internet access device on Monday to Kalayaan Mayor Roberto del Mundo during the launch of the USAID INCENTIVISE (Introducing Non-Geostationary Satellite Constellations Test Deployments to Improve Internet Service) Project and Broadband ng Masa in Palawan at the VJR Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building, Puerto Princesa City.

Addressing the challenges of internet connectivity in remote areas like Kalayaan, Ambassador Carlson stated that more than 82 percent of households in the Philippines lack access to high-speed internet, a situation exacerbated by Kalayaan’s remote location from the mainland of Palawan.

This geographical isolation has made it difficult for residents to access online resources for education, employment, and communication with local leaders.

“This digital divide is particularly acute in remote locations like Kalayaan municipality, where residents face significant challenges accessing online resources that provide learning and wage-earning opportunities, and local leaders cannot communicate with counterparts in Puerto Princesa or Manila,” she said.

Furthermore, she explained that the U.S. government, through USAID, supports the Philippines in achieving connectivity for all, enabling access to a world-class digital economy that’s safe, equitable, and productive.

This support includes aiding the Philippines in its digitalization initiatives, accelerating the development of critical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure such as the Philippine National Fiber Backbone, and linking U.S. cybersecurity experts with local professionals to enhance their abilities in safeguarding this essential foundation and its associated systems from cyber threats.

She also mentioned the USAID Better Access and Connectivity Activity (BEACON), which collaborates with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to deploy advanced satellite technology nationwide.

In mere two years, Carlson pointed out that their joint efforts to narrow the digital divide have led to the establishment of eight community networks, with Kalayaan becoming the latest addition as the ninth.

In reaction to the contribution of the community network, Governor Socrates expressed the provincial government’s dedication to advancing sustainable development.

In line with the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan under Republic Act 7611, he explained that this means a commitment that entails enhancing the well-being of both current and future generations by harmonizing development efforts with environmental conservation activities.

“The difficulty is in finding the equilibrium point between development and conservation, as Her Excellency pointed to me a while ago. Hence, the need for a dialogue towards consensus. But still, a substantial number of our constituents live below the poverty threshold, and if poverty could be defined as exclusion from networks of productivity and exchange, then the new word for development should be connectivity,” he said.

Del Mundo, speaking on behalf of Kalayaan and its residents, conveyed gratitude for the satellite internet kit donation, viewing it as an acknowledgment of the municipality’s difficult circumstances in the West Philippine Sea.

“The [donation] is an invaluable asset for Kalayaan. Our gratitude extends, as we acknowledge the positive impact that this initiative brings, not only in Kalayaan but in all municipalities in the province. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold and protect our West Philippine Sea territory,” he said.

With the USAID INCENTIVISE launching in Palawan, in collaboration with PhilSA and the DICT, the initiative aims to bring space technology closer to Filipinos and further expand access to advanced digital resources.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Marciano expressed their ambition to extend access to advanced content and services, such as low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellations like Starlink operated by private aerospace company SpaceX, to the most distant and isolated communities.

Marciano said efforts like INCENTIVISE take advantage of this new space economy in lower earth orbit and align with President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s] directive to develop and utilize space science and technology in the country.

In 2023, PhilSA generated approximately 8,000 satellite images that were converted into maps and subsequently provided to multiple local government agencies, including those in Palawan.

“Why is the space agency concerned about internet access? Why are we here, why is INCENTIVISE important? Because by leveraging space technologies to connect our islands, we can reach the farthest communities—the long neglected and unserved communities with services such as satellite imagery and other vital data for governance with capacity building activities and educational materials,” Marciano said.

The Broadband ng Masa (BBM) program by DICT, which was also launched, is in harmony with the objective of narrowing the digital gap by delivering connectivity, particularly to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) locations.

DICT Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management Philip Varilla expressed that the initiative for Filipinos aims to enhance their level of digital literacy. The BBM has two programs under it—the national broadband and the free wifi for all.

“Here in Palawan, we are launching several free wifi sites located in tourist spots. We have a technology-neutral approach in providing internet service in tourist spots. We have 23 sites and 115 access points,” Varilla said.

https://palawan-news.com/usaid-donates-starlink-satellite-internet-to-kalayaan-in-wps/

Año: Any secession move to be met with gov’t force

 Posted to Panay News (Feb 5, 2024): Año: Any secession move to be met with gov’t force

“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force,” says National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

MANILA — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año warned that the government “will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell and stop all attempts to dismember the Republic” as the military chief also reminded troops that “there is only one Philippines,” following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for an independent Mindanao.

“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,” Año said in a statement on Sunday.

In a press briefing last week, Duterte said local political forces would be regrouping to push for a “separate and independent Mindanao,” including his bailiwick of Davao City.

The 78-year-old former president also warned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against supporting ongoing moves for Charter change (Cha-cha), in a speech on Jan. 28 which highlighted a deepening rift between the country’s two most influential political families.

Año, a former military chief whom Duterte tapped as his interior secretary before his appointment by Mr. Marcos last year to his current post, called on “all Filipinos to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and division and to work together toward a future of peace and prosperity for all.”

“In light of recent calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines, we underscore the importance of national unity, security and stability,” he said, without directly referring to Duterte. “Any suggestion of secession not only runs counter to the Constitution but also threatens to undo the hard-won gains of peace and development, particularly in Mindanao.”

“The comprehensive peace process, which has brought an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao, must be vigorously safeguarded and built upon,” he added.

‘Only one Philippines’

Over the weekend, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. went around military camps in Mindanao, including Davao — Duterte’s home region. There, he told troops “to stay united and be wary of enemy efforts to infiltrate various sectors of society and challenge the AFP and the nation’s unity,” according to a statement by the AFP.

“Let us focus on our duty. We have only one Philippines, only one country. Let us be proud of our heritage, let’s be proud of who we are as a people. We are all Filipinos so let’s love our country,” Brawner was quoted as telling soldiers during his visit on Saturday to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro, and the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City.

On Sunday, he went to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City and the 101st Infantry Brigade in Isabela City, Basilan, where he reminded troops of their oath of loyalty to the Constitution and also stressed that “the strength of the nation depends on the strength and unity of its armed forces.”

“Let us stay focused on our mandate, keep improving our capabilities, and harness our love for our country to become better servant leaders that our country can rely on for the stability and security of our nation. Let us continue to show that with a strong and united AFP, we will have a strong and united Philippines,” Brawner said.

‘Seditious’

At the House of Representatives, a lawmaker asked his colleagues to investigate and look into the possible expulsion of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Duterte’s longtime ally, for proposing a separate Mindanao.

In a joint statement on Sunday, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo and his son, Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, said the proposal and actions of Duterte and Alvarez were “seditious insofar as [they call] for the separation of Mindanao from the Philippine Republic in violation of the 1987 Constitution.”

The older Romualdo called on his colleagues to investigate and possibly initiate expulsion proceedings against Alvarez “for his role in advocating for Mindanao secession.”

His son, on the other hand, said that he served three terms in Congress, two of these during Duterte’s presidency, while he also served under five Speakers, including Alvarez.

“Of the five (Speakers), Alvarez was the most forceful and powerful. Of course, everyone knows how powerful former President Duterte was during his term. Both are from Mindanao. They should, thus, answer for their complaints about the state of Mindanao,” Governor Romualdo pointed out.

“If things are as bad as they say, why is it that way when you ruled the country for six years? What were you doing when you were at the helm?” he added.

‘Peace and unity’

Two more Mindanao governors also rejected calls for an independent Mindanao, echoing the stand taken last week by four provincial governors in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“In the spirit of peace and unity, we turn down any call or movement that aims to destabilize our government and eventually divide our nation,” Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu said. “We are for one and united Philippines.”

Her son, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, said “Division would infringe [upon] the fundamental doctrines of our Constitution, disrupt the interconnectedness of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that has sustained our national economy and fracture the foundation of our national stability.”

His father, incumbent Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Datu Suharto Mangudadatu, expressed the same sentiment, saying that division would only affect “the full potential of our country’s economic strength.” (Edwin O. Fernandez, Frances Mangosing, Jeannette I. Andrade, Melvin Gascon © Philippine Daily Inquirer)

https://www.panaynews.net/ano-any-secession-move-to-be-met-with-govt-force/

AFP says Visayas cleared from all rebel-infested communities

 Posted to the Negros Now Daily (Feb 5, 2024): AFP says Visayas cleared from all rebel-infested communities (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command (Viscom) has declared that all New People’s Army (NPA)-infested communities in Visayas have already been cleared and dismantled all of its mass bases.

In a statement, Viscom chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, however, said they cannot afford to be complacent.

There are still remnants of the NPA that should be pursued as they remain to be a threat to peace and stability in the region and capable of sowing fear and terror, he added.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has eyed to recommend declaring Negros Island in a state of “stable internal peace and security” by the end of the first quarter after it has dismantled all the five NPA guerilla fronts in the island.

Viscom supervises two Army divisions, including the 3rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas and the 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas, as well the as Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy in Visayas region.

Viscom has reported that it continues to deliver crushing blows to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA since last month.

It conducted 20 focused military operations that resulted in 10 government-initiated encounters, with a staggering 50 percent hit factor in the campaign against the CPP-NPA, which it attributed to the active support of the people.

During the period, it has neutralized 13 more NPA rebels, of which five died in encounters, five others surrendered, and three had been arrested while 14 more firearms have been confiscated.

Arevalo urged the CPP-NPA remnants to choose the path of peace while they still can. | GB

https://negrosnowdaily.com/afp-says-visayas-cleared-from-all-rebel-infested-communities/

No disbandment

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 5, 2024): No disbandment (By RHODA GRACE SARON) ON FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Army officer no order to dissolve Task Force Davao

AN ARMY division officer dismissed the claim of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that the Marcos administration is planning to disband the Task Force Davao due to its loyalty to the Dutertes.

In an interview on Monday, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Mark Anthony Tito, said they received no order regarding the unit’s disbandment.

“Wala man order na buwagon ang TF Davao. Wala man na siya nahisgutan (There was no order to demobilize the TF Davao. It wasn’t talked about),” Tito said.

Meanwhile, as of this writing, TIMES is still waiting on the statement of TF Davao commander Col Darren Comia on the matter.

The TFD was established on April 16, 2003, after the terror attacks on the Sasa Airport and Sasa Wharf. Its headquarters is located at the Sta. Ana Wharf in Barangay Leon Garcia.

Earlier, in a Facebook Live, Atty. Harry Roque revealed that he heard about talks that Task Force Davao will soon be disbanded.

“Alam nila na loyal sa mga Duterte itong Task Force Davao kaya nagkaroon nga ng, well, yan po ang bumobuo ngayon na bubuwagin daw ang Task Force Davao,” he said.

“Nakakalap ako ng balita na idi-disband daw ang Task Force Davao na may 700 na sundalo na pinoprotektahan ang Davao sa banta ng terorismo,” Roque said.

“Bumubuo ngayon [rumors] na bubuwagin ang TF. Ewan ko kung confirmed lumipad si chief of staff nung weekend sa Davao,” he said. “Hindi ko alam I would like to assure you na meron naman tayo contingency plan dito.”

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr. visited the soldiers of the 10th Infantry Division at Camp Gen. Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab, Davao de Oro and Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Feb. 3

Brawner talked to the troops and lauded them for their swift humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) to the affected communities in Davao Region. He also lauded the command for its effective campaign execution and for its outstanding show of professionalism.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/no-disbandment/

AFP chief to troops: Remain professional, united toward strong PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): AFP chief to troops: Remain professional, united toward strong PH (By Priam Nepomuceno)

STAY UNITED. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. talks to the troops of the Western Mindanao Command during a visit to the unit's headquarters in Zamboanga City on Sunday (Feb. 4, 2024). He also reminded troops to remain focused on their mission and continue improving their capabilities to further boost the nation's security. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Sunday expressed confidence in the professionalism of Filipino troops, noting that a united and robust military is among the foundations of a strong nation.

“When we entered the service, we swore an oath that we will always follow the chain of command, be loyal to the Constitution and our duly constituted authorities,” Brawner said in his visit to Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City and 101st Infantry Brigade in Isabela City, Basilan on Sunday.

Brawner visited Wesmincom and the 101st Infantry Brigade to assess the military campaigns and welfare of its personnel.

He also reminded troops to remain focused on their mission and continue improving their capabilities to further strengthen the country's security.

Brawner noted that in the Wesmincom area alone, the AFP is facing a great challenge, with all the possible threat groups and problems facing the area-- communists, local terrorists, lawless groups, other peace spoilers, and territorial defense and cross-border crimes.

“Let us stay focused on our mandate, keep improving our capabilities, and harness our love for our country to become better servant leaders that our country can rely on for the stability and security of our nation. Let us continue to show that with a strong and united AFP, we will have a strong and united Philippines,” he said.

On Saturday, Brawner visited the 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao De Oro and the Eastern Mindanao in Panacan, Davao City, where he also told troops to be wary of enemy efforts to infiltrate various sectors of society and challenge the AFP and the nation’s unity.

“I am not worried because I know that the new breed of soldiers are professionals. Let us remain united and loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command,” he said.

He also visited the units to assess the status of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and peace and security campaigns in the area.

PNP: No to division

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said the force would exert all efforts to suppress any attempt to divide the nation.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, any secession attempt would put the sacrifices of Filipino heroes in vain.

“I am very confident that the PNP is 100 percent opposed to any division attempts and would stand united in defending the nation and protecting what is embodied in the Constitution. These are all defined in our Constitution – our territory and sovereignty,” he added.

Acorda also said police commanders on the ground have also committed to rally behind the government and support its peace and development initiatives. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218244

PCG website secure following cyberattack threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): PCG website secure following cyberattack threats (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

(File photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday assured that its website is secure following reports of attempted cyberattacks.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson, Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said an investigation into the possible hacking of their website began a month ago after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported an alleged attempt to break into the website.

“So far, we have not monitored anything. Our website remains secure,” Balilo said.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan instructed the PCG Public Affairs Services to coordinate with the DICT to ensure that their firewall can thwart cyberattacks.

“While the website is for public consumption, we do not want hackers polluting our site with fake news and making it appear that we authored the spread of falsehoods. We must also protect the site from computer viruses,” Gavan said.

On Saturday, the DICT reported several attempts to hack Philippine government websites, with the latest attempt being a brute force attack to take down the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration website.

DICT Undersecretary Jeff Ian Dy said the “command and control” of the cyberattack was operating from within China.

“We were able to detect that the attackers were coming from China Unicom. So, I think we will need to coordinate with them,” Dy said.

He said the possible involvement of the Chinese government in the attack cannot be ascertained.

He said other targets of threat actors associated with “state-backed” cybersecurity activities include government email addresses particularly the Philippine Coast Guard, National Coast Watch and the DICT.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218246

Urgent briefing on cybersecurity breaches vs. gov't websites sought

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): Urgent briefing on cybersecurity breaches vs. gov't websites sought (By Jose Cielito Reganit)

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (Photo courtesy of Speaker's office)

MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday called for an immediate congressional briefing from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the recent cyberattacks on several Philippine government websites purportedly from Chinese hackers, saying this is an issue of national security.

“The revelation that hackers, suspected to be operating from China, have infiltrated the email systems and internal websites of various government agencies, is a matter of national security and public interest,” Romualdez said in a press statement.

On Saturday, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy reported that cybersecurity experts have foiled the recent cyberattack that targeted various government email addresses, including that of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the private website of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..

Dy said other government domains targeted by the alleged China-based cybercriminals were those of the Cabinet Secretary, the Department of Justice, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the Congress, the National Coast Watch System, and the DICT.

Romualdez said the Philippines should not allow these cyberattacks on government websites go unchecked, and the government must ensure that the national cybersecurity strategies are robust enough to withstand such attacks and agile enough to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

“The fact that these breaches have targeted critical domains, in addition to the private domain of President Marcos, signifies a dire need for an immediate and comprehensive response,” he said.

“In light of these alarming developments, I am calling on the DICT and other concerned agencies to conduct a thorough briefing for the House of Representatives. This briefing should focus on the nature and extent of these cyber-attacks, the current measures in place to prevent future incidents, and strategies for enhancing our cybersecurity infrastructure,” he said.

Romualdez proposed that the briefing be conducted in an “open hearing,” by the House Committees on Public Information, and on Information and Communications Technology chaired by Reps. Joboy Aquino and Toby Tiangco, respectively.

“Transparency in this matter is crucial as it affects not just the integrity of our government's digital infrastructure but also the safety and privacy of our citizens,” he said.

Deterrence

The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that it is monitoring hacking attempts on government websites and implementing measures to deter these activities.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said they are closely working with lawmakers and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to strengthen the country’s legal frameworks against cybercrimes, including hacking.

Hernia said they are also working with the private sector to upgrade police officers’ cybercrime deterrence capabilities.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Congress have been supportive of their proposals to allot more funds for heightened cybersecurity measures.

These include increased training for personnel and the acquisition of modern equipment to detect and curb and these illegal activities.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating Pangulo (We are grateful to our President) and he knows very well the pressing need for this and he is also giving us yung support and our legislators nagpapasalamat din ako binigyan tayo ng (I'm also thankful for giving us) fund to really support our programs, projects and activities related to this,” Acorda said. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218243

Congress tightens security following bomb threats

 From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): Congress tightens security following bomb threats (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Security has been heightened at the House of Representatives after some lawmakers reportedly received bomb threats, a House official said on Monday.

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said tighter security measures are currently enforced at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, especially for outsiders entering the premises.

"We just want to protect the members of the House of Representatives and staff and employees of the House against any untoward incident," Velasco told reporters.

"I have talked with the Sergeant at Arms and I told him to impose strict security to all those who are entering the premises particularly the non-members of the House and who are not employees of this institution," he added.

While he did not divulge the names of the House members who reportedly received the bomb threats, Velasco stressed that the House takes all these threats "seriously".

Velasco said a memorandum will be issued regarding the heightened security alert.

He particularly noted that motorcycles will not be allowed to park "in front of any buildings" after guards have noticed suspicious riders scoping out the perimeter.

"We have designated a special parking area for motorcycles and there will be roving security men 24/7 around the premises," he said.

For deliveries, he said representatives of the offices or employees may pick up the goods or supplies at the gate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218282

PNP organizational reforms bill hurdles Senate

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): PNP organizational reforms bill hurdles Senate (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

(File photo)

MANILA – The bill institutionalizing new organizational reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP) is one step closer to becoming a law after it was unanimously approved by the Senate on Monday.

Voting 23 in favor, zero against and zero abstentions, the chamber passed Senate Bill (SB) 2449, which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 and RA 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a former PNP chief and the sponsor of the bill, thanked his colleagues and those who have helped in crafting the measure.

"After all these years, finally, the PNP organizational reforms we sought to introduce are being materialized. They are beginning to see the light of day. I hope we can all welcome that day together when this measure is passed into law soon enough," dela Rosa said.

"Moving forward, I have more reason to hope, Mr. President. May this be the year that they receive in their honorable institution the legislated reforms they so rightfully deserve," he added.

SB 2449 shall institutionalize the offices created by the National Police Commission which are the PNP Directorial Staff, Area Police Command, Special Offices, and "strengthened" National Administrative and Operational Support Units.

It also seeks to transfer the power to designate chiefs of police from mayors and governors to the PNP chief.

To elevate the status and treatment of the PNP Academy, SB 2449 shall accord cadets the prestigious title of Police cadets, endowed with salaries, benefits, and emoluments commensurate with police executive master sergeant.

Like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the compulsory age of retirement for the PNP will be set to 57 years old, which ensures uniformity in the rules that govern uniformed presonnel.

Another proposed reform under SB 2449 is giving authority to the PNP chief to immediately order the preventive confinement of erring police personnel, which shall foster better discipline and responsibility within the organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218301

2 NPA rebels killed in Masbate clash with gov't troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5, 2024): 2 NPA rebels killed in Masbate clash with gov't troops (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. The war materiel and personal belongings recovered at the clash site between government troops and New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan town in Masbate province on Monday (Feb. 5, 2024). Two insurgents identified as Florencia Ygot Regala and Pedro Regala were killed in the firefight. (Photo courtesy of 9ID, Philippine Army)

LEGAZPI CITY – Two New People’s Army (NPA) members were killed in a clash with government soldiers in Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan town in Masbate province on Monday, the Philippine Army (PA) said.

In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) Public Affairs Office chief, identified the suspects as Florencia Ygot Regala and Pedro Regala.

"The troops of the second Infantry Battalion encountered 10 members of the New People's Army (NPA) that lasted for eight minutes in Purok 5, Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan, Masbate. The slain rebels were members of Platoon 1, Komiteng Larangan Guerilla South, Sub Regional Committee 4," Roldan said.

Authorities also recovered from the site one M16 rifle, one caliber .38 revolver, one homemade shotgun, five cellular phones and backpacks belonging to the rebels.

Roldan said no casualties were recorded on the part of the government.

The troops, he said, are still scouring the encounter site and follow-up operations will be immediately conducted.

"The enhanced intensification of operations in Bicol against the communist terrorist groups is in response to the confidence the Bicolanos give to our soldiers to end insurgency problem in the region," Roldan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218312